Ann Acad Med Singap
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Molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) for albumin liver dialysis has been used as a bridge to liver transplantation in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). This review examines the available data on its clinical use, its technical aspects and present gaps in knowledge. ⋯ MARS is an effective and, thus far, safe homeostatic tool in treating FHF. More studies are needed to delineate its role as a homeostatic tool in less severe forms of ALF, including that which occurs in multi-organ failure and in AoCLF. Other studies need to focus on the optimal timing of initiation of and intensity of MARS albumin liver dialysis. The larger issue is to compare MARS with bio-assist liver devices in treating the whole spectrum of ALF.
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Focal ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a rare cause of thoracic myelopathy. The lower thoracic spine is most frequently affected and the patients present initially with posterior column disturbances followed by progressively increasing spastic paraparesis. The pathogenesis of OLF has not been conclusively established. ⋯ OLF can significantly contribute to a spatial reduction of the thoracic spinal canal, resulting in slowly progressive paraparesis or acute paraplegia after trauma to the back. The T2-weighted sagittal image of MR imaging is the modality of choice for screening the longitudinal extent of OLF, with increased diagnostic accuracy when combined with computed tomographic myelogram. Neurological improvement usually occurs following decompression laminectomy with or without excision of the OLF. However, the persistence of residual numbness or weakness at follow-up may be due to irreversible changes within the cord as a result of severe thecal compression and the delay between the onset of initial symptoms/signs and surgical decompression. Prognosis remains poor for acute myelopathy with pre-existing OLF, despite surgery.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Mar 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialImpact of a pharmacist consult clinic on a hospital-based geriatric outpatient clinic in Singapore.
We study the impact of a pharmacist consult clinic on the care of elderly outpatients based on the Health Belief Model that the perceived benefits (improvement in medication knowledge, clinical status and perception) and attached barriers (cost and number of medication and adverse drug reactions) can influence health behaviour (medication compliance). ⋯ The addition of a pharmacist consult clinic to the management of selected geriatric outpatients can improve compliance, with the attendant benefits of improving medication knowledge, cost avoidance and reducing residual adverse drug reactions.
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Ann Acad Med Singap · Mar 2004
Septic arthritis after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
A retrospective review of postoperative infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was done on 472 consecutive cases in one institution. The purpose was to assess the incidence, diagnosis, treatment and outcome factors. ⋯ Four patients had acute infection (<2 weeks), 3 had subacute infection (2 weeks to 2 months) and none had late infection (>2 months). All were admitted within 24 hours of onset of symptoms and underwent immediate arthroscopic lavage, incision and drainage of abscess, debridement with graft retention and intravenous (8 to 31 days) followed by oral (4 to 6 weeks) antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus was present in 4 patients, Peptostreptococcus in 3, Klebsiella in 1, and Enterobacter in 1. The patients underwent an average of 1.4 arthroscopic procedures (range, 1 to 3 procedures), with an average hospital stay of 17.3 days per patient. All were evaluated at an average of 11.7 months (range, 5 to 26 months). In all cases, the infection resolved with stable knees and with all grafts and implants retained. Although rare, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infection can result in successful eradication without sacrificing the graft.
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To determine time trends in myopia over a 20-year period in Taiwan, we conducted 5 nationwide surveys pertaining to the ocular refraction of schoolchildren in 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995 and 2000. ⋯ We conclude that the cause of the relative increasing severity of myopia among the schoolchildren was due to the onset of myopia at a very young, and progressively-decreasing, age over the study period. Thus, to reduce the prevalence and severity of myopia, we should pay more attention to the eye care of pre-schoolchildren.